CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Saturday morning, Artlink, Blue Star Families and the Clarksville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, all gathered to celebrate the launch of the Artbox Initiative.

The “Artbox” was packed with dozens of art supplies during the event and also included words of affirmation for members of the community to take with them. Meanwhile, the Clarksville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority donated books to refresh the library.

“We want to give our community a creative outlet and break down the barrier of accessibility to having art supplies,” said Maria Haycraft, Executive Director and Founder of Artlink. In addition to the Artbox, the Kleeman Recreation Center opened this past year the Little Free Library through a collaboration between Blue Star Families and City Council member Ambar Marquis.

Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Artlink Artbox Initiative at the Kleeman Recreation Center on March 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)

“We want to encourage the community to come out to the Kleeman Recreation Center to take a book, leave a book and share a book with a friend, as well as the art kits. We want to leave smiles on faces and of course, increase literacy in our community, which was part of Governor Bill Lee’s initiative to raise literacy rates across Tennessee,” said Karissa Poe, who is the Tennessee Chapter Director for Blue Star Families.